Liposculpture
Maintaining a healthy weight is something everyone strives for. Yet, some areas of the body can stubbornly cling on to their fat reservoirs, making them impossible to trim with just exercise and a healthy diet. Liposculpture is a cosmetic procedure that removes this unwanted body fat. Using a process of suction, this treatment targets those areas of the body where deposits of fat tend to collect, such as the buttocks, hips, thighs and tummy.
At Clinica Jóia, we offer two different types of liposuction treatments, Power-assisted Liposuction (PAL) and SmartLipo (laser-assisted liposuction). Both treatments use a different method to achieve the same result: that of ridding you of your unwanted fat!
Due to the nature of the procedure, a consultation is required for personalised quotes
Proven Success
Typical Uses
Liposculpture is done to alter the shape of the body by removing fat from areas of the body that haven’t responded well to diet and exercise, such as the:
- Tummy
- Buttocks
- Hips and Thighs
- Legs
- Chin and Neck
- brazillian Butt Lift
Whilst liposculpture typically generates positive results, this remains a highly individualized procedure which you should only do for yourself, and never to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. Nevertheless, this procedure can help to improve your body shape and achieve your weight-loss goals.
What It Entails
The process of your liposculpture treatment entirely depends on the type of procedure you choose, whether that is Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) or Laser-assisted liposuction.
Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) involves the use of a specialised mechanical device (cannula) to aid in the removal of fat. By means of a mechanical device on the tip, small but rapid vibrations are made to break up fat cells, allowing the physician to remove it more efficiently, precisely and using a smaller incision size than when using a traditional cannula. As this procedure takes less time, the chances of infection are diminished and this makes the procedure safer. Furthermore, power-assisted liposuction can remove up to 30% more fat than other types of liposuction and boasts a faster recovery time. Typically, power-assisted liposuction is performed in conjunction with the tumescent liposuction technique. When performing tumescent liposuction, tiny 3 – 5 mm incisions are made into which a high quantity of solution (a mixture of a local anaesthetic and a vasoconstrictor) is inserted into the treated areas before the actual suctioning takes place.
Alternatively, at Clinica Joia we also offer SmartLipo (laser-assisted liposuction) which can also help to tighten skin and reduce cellulite. With this procedure, the optical fibre of the laser is inserted into the same entry point created for the anaesthetic solution, and its transit through the skin is monitored by means of the guiding light on the laser device itself. Following this, the doctor whisks and lasers both the deep fat and the superficial fat, before suctioning it out. Although this process is relatively painless, we always remind patients that it is impossible to undergo this procedure without experiencing some degree of discomfort, mainly caused by the sensation of vibration.
How It Works
1.During the consultation
If you are interested in getting liposuction, you should start by booking a consultation with our clinic doctor. During the consultation, you will be able to express what you are hoping to gain from this treatment and, after reviewing your medical history, our doctor will be able to determine whether you are eligible to undergo this type of procedure. You should also inform your practitioner if you have received previous aesthetic treatments, both surgical and non-surgical.
2.During the procedure
On the day of the procedure, you will be asked to arrive at our clinic at least half an hour prior to the operation so that preoperative photos and the areas to be treated are marked. A saline drip is attached to one of your veins so that liquids, antibiotics and analgesics are directly administered, and a monitor is attached to measure your oxygen levels, blood pressure, pulse and ECG. The areas where small incisions will be made are anaesthetised and the operation is ready to commence. This pre-op preparation generally takes about half an hour
3.After the treatment
Post-treatment, patients are generally able to return to work within two to four days after tumescent liposculpture. Due to the large amount of liquid used to convey the anaesthetic, it is normal for you to have abundant drainage of this liquid mixed with some blood during the first hours after the procedure. Do not let this worry you. The areas treated will appear to be slightly inflamed during the first days but this sensation will disappear slowly each day. It may take from three to six months for your body to completely return to normal, depending on various factors ranging from your skin-type to the body area treated. However, visible results are seen immediately if a significant amount of fat has been removed, with most patients going down one dress size straight away.
How It Works
If you are interested in getting liposculpture, you should start by booking a consultation with our clinic doctor. During the consultation, you will be able to express what you are hoping to gain from this treatment and, after reviewing your medical history, our doctor will be able to determine whether you are eligible to undergo this type of procedure. If you are a viable candidate, our doctor will then discuss an appropriate treatment plan so that you may achieve optimal results. Finally, you will be routinely required to sign a document that indicates that you have read and understood what the procedure known as liposculpture consists of.
On the day of the procedure, you will be asked to arrive at our clinic at least half an hour prior to the operation so that preoperative photos and the areas to be treated are marked. A saline drip is attached to one of your veins so that liquids, antibiotics and analgesics are directly administered, and a monitor is attached to measure your oxygen levels, blood pressure, pulse and ECG. The areas where small incisions will be made are anaesthetised and the operation is ready to commence. This pre-op preparation generally takes about half an hour Once the areas are completely anaesthetised, the liposculpture is started with very little to no discomfort to you. Once the operation is over, you are washed and the incisions are stitched and/or covered with small sterile dressings. As soon as the monitors are removed, the treated areas will be covered with a compression bandage to help control the swelling and bruising and, after a brief rest, you may return home.
Post-treatment, patients are generally able to return to work within two to four days after tumescent liposculpture. Due to the large amount of liquid used to convey the anaesthetic, it is normal for you to have abundant drainage of this liquid mixed with some blood during the first hours after the procedure. Do not let this worry you. The areas treated will appear to be slightly inflamed during the first days but this sensation will disappear slowly each day. It may take from three to six months for your body to completely return to normal, depending on various factors ranging from your skin-type to the body area treated. However, visible results are seen immediately if a significant amount of fat has been removed, with most patients going down one dress size straight away. However, it will still take around 2-3 weeks to start seeing significant permanent results. If large amounts of fat are to be removed, a multi-step programme will sometimes be advised to allow for gradual reshaping.
Frequently Asked Questions
As with any procedure, side effects may occur, and the risks and potential complications will be discussed in detail during the initial consultation. Possible risks may include:
- Contour irregularities.
- Fluid accumulation
- Numbness
- Infection
- Internal puncture
- Fat embolism
- Kidney and heart problems
- Lidocaine toxicity
Whilst liposuction procedures are said to yield permanent results, it is important to remember – as with any weight loss programme – that such procedures need to be accompanied by a sensible diet and a healthy lifestyle to maintain peak condition and efficacy. The permanence of results stem from the fact that this procedure not only destroys the fat, but also the “pockets” in which the fat accumulates. As we do not have the capacity to produce new cells of this type, the areas treated are not able to re-expand again. However, if the patient gains a substantial amount of weight, the excess fat will still be distributed throughout the other areas of the body
Even though the results of liposcuction can be quite spectacular, it is not realistic to hope for perfection. Liposuction enhances the body with a new contour thanks to the reduction of centimetres in localised areas; however, it is not sufficient for achieving a harmonic figure. The skin and muscles tone also play an extremely important role in your appearance. Sometimes, it is necessary to surgically extract the excess skin and fat in order to complete the results of liposuction.
Follow-Up Procedures
Following the procedure, the first check-up will be carried out 1-3 days after the operation when all the dressings are removed, and after which you may take a normal shower. 10 – 48 hours after the operation, another check-up will be carried out. Any stitches would be removed 7-10 days post procedure. You will be discharged when the Medical Team are satisfied with your healing and post operative results.
